1950 Map of Mescalero

About this map

The Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and Lincoln National Forest dominate this mid-century topographic record of the Sacramento Mountains. Life in the high desert is tied closely to the water courses, with settlements like Mescalero and Bent following the route of the Rio Tularosa. Cultural and historical landmarks are scattered throughout the canyon-cut terrain, notably the St Josephs Mission and the Mescalero Indian Cem. This era shows a landscape where industrial remnants like Blazers Mill and unidentified Ruins sit alongside active community centers such as the Bent Public Sch and Coronado Lodge. The mapping detail captures the complex drainage systems necessary for the region, including an Aqueduct and numerous isolated tanks like Soldier Tank and Danley Tank tucked into the steep-walled canyons.